Man jailed for 23 years for child sex offences committed in the 90s in Bicester
The two victims in the case were 12 and 13-years-old at the time
A man has been jailed for numerous historical child sexual offences that occurred between 1994 and 1997 in Bicester.
On Monday 7 July, a jury unanimously found Mark Preedy, aged 62, of Mascord Road, Banbury, guilty of six counts of indecent assault, two counts of rape, and two counts of attempted rape, following a six day trial at Oxford Crown Court. He appeared at the same court today (18/7) where he was sentenced to a total of 23 years in prison, an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and victim surcharge.
Preedy befriended the first victim, who was twelve at the time, and repeatedly got her drunk before sexually assaulting her numerous times. Throughout the course of the initial investigation, a second victim was identified. The second victim was thirteen years old at the time of the offences, and was also supplied with alcohol to get her drunk, before Preedy sexually assaulted and raped her.
Preedy was charged in 2023 following a police investigation.
The first victim said: “Speaking the truth matters profoundly. Being heard and believed is important for anyone who has experienced being violated as a child. I am deeply grateful to have received this from Thames Valley Police, in particular DC Sam Lea, for her unwavering and steadfast hard work in bringing this perpetrator to justice. I thank all involved in the process of this case. I encourage anyone who has experienced abuse to come forward and talk to the police, you are not alone and you will be heard.”
The second victim said: “For over 30 years, I have carried the weight of something no child should ever have to endure. Mark Preedy did not just steal my childhood, he stole the person I could have become. The trauma he inflicted shaped every part of my life, casting a long shadow over the years that followed.
“Living with this has not been easy, and it never truly leaves you. But today, after decades of silence and pain, justice has finally been served. I am deeply grateful to Thames Valley Police for their unwavering patience, understanding, and support in bringing this case to court. Their dedication made it possible for truth to be heard.
“I know I am not the only one. At the time, I was aware there were other victims and I carry a heavy sense of guilt wondering how many more may have suffered in silence over the years. To anyone still living with the pain of abuse, please know that you are not alone. Speaking out is terrifying, but it is also powerful. There is hope, and there is justice, even if it takes time.”
Detective Constable, Sam Lea, of the Management of Sexual or Violent Offenders Unit based at Banbury, said: “Thames Valley Police takes sexual offences against children very seriously, whether this is a recent offence or something which has happened many years ago.
“The victims in this case bravely came forward and reported what had happened to them.
“It is because of their courage and support throughout the police investigation that Mark Preedy has been brought to justice.
“I would like to reassure the public that we will always look to prosecute anyone who commits sexual offences against children, recent or non-recent. You will be supported, no matter what the passage of time, and we will bring offenders to justice.
“Anyone who wishes to speak to us can call 101 or make a report on our website. Further information about the support available can also be found on our website.”